President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved the elevation of selected districts to municipalities and municipalities to metropolises. This move aims to enhance local governance and accelerate development in these areas.
The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGRD) announced the upgrades in a press release on Wednesday, December 4. The upgrades followed its request in accordance with the relevant legal provisions outlined in Act 936.
Municipalities Elevated to Metropolises
Four municipalities have been granted metropolitan status:
- Ho Municipal Assembly becomes Ho Metropolitan Assembly.
- Sunyani Municipal Assembly becomes Sunyani Metropolitan Assembly.
- New Juaben South Municipal Assembly becomes New Juaben South Metropolitan Assembly.
- Wa Municipal Assembly becomes Wa Metropolitan Assembly.
Districts Elevated to Municipalities
Three districts have been elevated to municipalities:
- Offinso North District Assembly becomes Offinso North Municipal Assembly.
- Birim North District Assembly becomes Birim North Municipal Assembly.
- Karaga District Assembly becomes Karaga Municipal Assembly.
Legal and Administrative Formalities
The MLGRD stated that the upgrades are subject to the completion of all necessary legal and administrative processes. These changes represent a step forward in Ghana’s efforts to enhance service delivery. There are also intended to strengthen local governance structures.
Minister Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah reiterated the government’s commitment to decentralization. He emphasized that the upgrades align with efforts to improve the efficiency of local governance systems.
The government plans to formalize the new statuses of the assemblies after completing the required procedures. This development marks a significant step in empowering local governments to address community needs effectively.
